Marshall Thundering Herd

Marshall Thundering Herd

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Marshall freshman QB Garet Morrell will start in place of the injured Chase Litton (undisclosed) in Saturday's game against Western Kentucky.

Morrell has seen extended work just once this season, when he completed 9-of-21 passes for 59 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in a loss to Louisville on September 24. The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder graded as a three-star recruit out of high school in the past recruiting cycle.

Marshall sophomore QB Chase Litton has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Western Kentucky due to an undisclosed injury.

With Litton sidelined for this contest, Garet Morrell will start in his place. It's a tough blow for the Thundering Herd, as Litton has performed well this season, throwing for 2,612 yards (62.3% completions) with a 24/9 TD/INT ratio across 10 games played.

After finishing with 2,605 yards passing and a 23/8 TD/INT rate last year, Litton has 2,612 yards and a 24/9 TD/INT rate with one game left in 2016. He's improved his completion percentage, yards per attempt and QB rating. That the Herd slumped to 3-8 after last year's 10-3 finish is a development that can be blamed on others (cough, the defense, cough).

The final score here doesn't really tell the whole tale. The Thundering Herd trailed 17-14 at the half before they came roaring back with a 25-0 run after emerging from the locker room for quarters three and four. Litton aided that comeback cause a fair bit, snapping off three of his four scoring passes in the second half. This was the 6-foot-6, 207-pound gunslinger's first game with more than two touchdown passes since September 17.

Litton started out the season like gangbusters, throwing for 10 touchdowns in his first two games. He missed a contest against Louisville on September 24 due to a concussion, though, and the numbers have dropped off in the interim. In his three games since returning to action, the 6-foot-6, 207-pound sophomore has made just four scoring tosses. Marshall will host Charlotte next Saturday, in a game which would seem tailor-made for a nice statistical showing from Litton.

Marshall sophomore QB Chase Litton (concussion) is expected to play against Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Litton was initially concussed in a loss to Akron in Week 3. He subsequently sat out this past weekend's whitewashing by Louisville. After a clear practice week, the 6-foot-6, 207-pounder should be good to go versus a leaky Pitt pass defense on Saturday. It makes for a nice fantasy match-up, as Litton has thrown for 722 yards and a 10/3 TD/INT ratio in contests against Morgan State and Akron.

ESPN's Mel Kiper could see Marshall redshirt senior T Clint Van Horn "taken around the fifth round, depending on how he performs at a college all-star game."

Van Horn caught the analyst's eye on Saturday against Louisville. "Van Horn ... had a few pancakes and was able to get to the second level with ease," Kiper wrote. "Now, he got a little sloppy with his technique in the second half and was on the ground a few too many times, but I think he could be a solid backup and possible starter in the NFL." The sixth-year senior missed most of last year after tearing his pectoral muscle.

Marshall sophomore QB Chase Litton (concussion) was ruled out for Saturday's game against Louisville.

After suffering a concussion in last week's loss to Akron, Litton was not cleared by the school's medical staff. This is a devastating development for the four-TD underdog. The 6-foot-6 Litton has thrown for 722 yards and 10 scores across two games. Litton finished with 2,605 yards passing and a 23/8 TD/INT rate last year. Freshman QB Garet Morrell has his work cut out for him.

Marshall dismissed senior S Tiquan Lang due to a violation of team rules.

No word as to what the precipitating incident was that led to Lang's outright dismissal. The 5-foot-9, 172-pounder had previously gotten into trouble this offseason after he was arrested in early May on suspicion of DUI, possession of a concealed deadly weapon and possession of a controlled substance, so this most recent unknown incident might have just been the nail in the coffin. Lang registered 91 tackles and two pick-sixes last season.

Marshall dismissed redshirt junior LB Raheim Huskey for a violation of team rules and practices.

No further word as to what Huskey did to land himself in hot, dismissal-temperatured waters. This is not the first disciplinary action to be levied against the 6-foot-2, 221-pounder. He was indefinitely suspended from the Thundering Herd in October for a (presumably different) violation of team rules. HC Doc Holliday eventually reinstated him this spring. Huskey finishes out his Marshall career having recorded 48 tackles and a pair of sacks in 20 games.

Dunn had spent the last 10 years teaching at the Division III level with the Catholic University of America. In a statement, HC Doc Holliday said, "Dave brings a wealth of experience to our staff, including the last 11 as a college head coach. We are excited for him and his family to get started here and to be part of the Huntington community." With the move, previous TE coach Todd Goebbel shifts over to coaching the wide receiving corp.

Lang is charged with driving under the influence, possession of a concealed deadly weapon and possession of a controlled substance, all misdemeanors. Police found him passed out in a running car. Once they woke him, they discovered a Glock 27 under the seat. Xanax and the odor of marijuana were also found, though the pot itself couldn't be located and Lang said the Xanax had a prescription (the police will drop that charge if he presents it). Lang returned two interceptions for scores and was second on the team with 91 tackles last year.

Johnson (6'1/238) spent time at tight end, linebacker, and fullback before switching to tailback as a junior and senior, finishing his career with a 305-2,373-25 (7.8 YPC) rushing line but only 27 receptions. Johnson's final year was derailed by a back injury that cost him six games. He excelled at the Thundering Herd's Pro Day, running 4.59 with a 33-inch vertical. Nicknamed "Rockhead" for his bruising, no-frills playing style, Johnson has a future in the league on special teams and perhaps as a short-yardage runner.

Johnson (6'1/238) spent time at tight end, linebacker, and fullback before switching to tailback as a junior and senior, finishing his career with a 305-2,373-25 (7.8 YPC) rushing line but only 27 receptions. Johnson's final year was derailed by a back injury that cost him six games. He excelled at the Thundering Herd's Pro Day, running 4.59 with a 33-inch vertical. Nicknamed "Rockhead" for his bruising, no-frills playing style, Johnson has a future in the league on special teams and perhaps as a short-yardage runner.